Fort Towson OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fort Towson, Oklahoma.
1. Fort Towson Historic Site
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Towson Historic Site preserves the remains of a frontier fort established in 1824 to maintain peace between settlers and Native Americans. The site features a visitor center with engaging exhibits on the fort's role during the Mexican-American War and Civil War, along with a reconstructed sutler store and teamster's cabin. Visitors can explore the historic ruins via a walking trail and learn about Doaksville, the nearby trading post that became the capital of the Choctaw Nation.
2. Raymond Gary State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Raymond Gary State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a beautiful lakeside retreat with opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. The park features scenic picnic areas, boat ramps, and shoreline access to the pristine waters. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of southeast Oklahoma while participating in various recreational activities throughout the seasons.
3. Hallie Mae Chapel in Hopson
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
Hallie Mae Chapel stands as a testament to the religious heritage of the Fort Towson area. The chapel features traditional architecture and serves as a reminder of the community's spiritual roots. Visitors interested in local history and religious landmarks find this site worth exploring for its cultural significance.
4. Doaksville Archaeological Site
CHOCTAW NATION CAPITAL
Doaksville Archaeological Site preserves the remains of what was once a thriving commercial center and the capital of the Choctaw Nation. The site is historically significant as the location where Confederate General Stand Watie surrendered his command in 1865, becoming the last Confederate general to lay down arms. Visitors can explore the archaeological remains to understand the importance of this settlement that began as a trading post near Fort Towson.
5. Gates Creek Viewpoint
SCENIC NATURAL OVERLOOK
Gates Creek Viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the creek and surrounding landscape where the historic fort once stood. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the strategic positioning of Fort Towson atop the bluffs. The natural beauty combines with historical significance to create a memorable experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
6. Hugo Lake State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Hugo Lake State Park, located near Fort Towson, offers extensive recreational opportunities with its 13,000-acre reservoir and surrounding woodlands. The park features camping facilities, hiking trails, boat ramps, and excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy water sports, wildlife viewing, and peaceful natural settings throughout the year.
7. Circus City Museum
CIRCUS HERITAGE COLLECTION
Circus City Museum in nearby Hugo celebrates the town's unique history as the winter quarters for several circus companies. The museum houses an extensive collection of circus memorabilia, vintage wagons, costumes, and photographs documenting this colorful heritage. Visitors are transported into the fascinating world of the American circus tradition that has been part of Hugo's identity for generations.
8. Mount Olivet Cemetery
SHOWMEN'S REST SECTION
Mount Olivet Cemetery in Hugo features the famous Showmen's Rest section, where circus performers and owners are buried under unique headstones depicting circus themes. This final resting place for circus professionals includes elaborate monuments with carvings of elephants, lions, and other circus imagery. History buffs and those interested in circus culture find this cemetery a poignant tribute to America's circus heritage.
9. Frisco Depot Museum
HISTORIC RAILWAY MUSEUM
The Frisco Depot Museum preserves Hugo's railroad history in a beautifully restored 1914 train station. The museum showcases railroad artifacts, historical photographs, and exhibits detailing the importance of the Frisco Railroad to the region's development. Visitors can step back in time to experience the golden age of rail travel through authentic displays and memorabilia.
10. Kiamichi River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Kiamichi River flows near Fort Towson and offers excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in a pristine natural setting. The river is known for its scenic beauty, clear waters, and abundance of bass, catfish, and other game fish. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the tranquil surroundings and wildlife viewing opportunities along this important waterway in southeastern Oklahoma.
11. Paris Town Square
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Paris Town Square in nearby Paris, Texas, features a charming downtown district centered around a historic courthouse with a distinctive pink granite construction. The square is surrounded by restored historic buildings housing unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Visitors enjoy the small-town atmosphere while exploring antique stores, boutiques, and sampling local cuisine just across the state line from Fort Towson.
12. Eiffel Tower Replica
TEXAN PARISIAN MONUMENT
The Eiffel Tower Replica in Paris, Texas stands as a whimsical 65-foot tall version of its famous French counterpart, complete with a red cowboy hat on top. This unique landmark represents the playful spirit of the town and has become a popular photo opportunity for tourists. The tower is located in a pleasant park setting just a short drive from Fort Towson, making it an easy side trip for visitors.
13. Pat Mayse Lake
FISHING AND BOATING DESTINATION
Pat Mayse Lake offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities within an easy drive from Fort Towson. The 5,993-acre reservoir is known for its population of largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish, attracting anglers throughout the year. Recreational facilities include boat ramps, picnic areas, swimming beaches, and camping sites in a scenic natural setting.
14. Choctaw Casino Resort
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Choctaw Casino Resort in nearby Grant provides gaming entertainment, dining options, and occasional live performances within a short drive from Fort Towson. The facility offers slot machines, table games, and a variety of amenities for visitors seeking recreational gaming experiences. The resort serves as an entertainment hub for the region, drawing visitors from both Oklahoma and neighboring Texas.
15. Red River Valley Veterans Memorial
MILITARY SERVICE TRIBUTE
The Red River Valley Veterans Memorial honors service members from the region with impressive monuments and displays dedicated to those who served in America's armed forces. The memorial features granite walls inscribed with names, statues, and educational exhibits about military history and sacrifice. Visitors from Fort Towson and surrounding areas come to reflect on the contributions of local veterans and pay their respects in this thoughtfully designed space.